Among alcohols, the reactivity order with HX (e.g. HCl) is:
- 1° > 2° > 3°
- 3° > 2° > 1° (tertiary fastest via stable carbocation)
- All equal
- Aromatic > aliphatic
Show answer and solution
Correct answer: B. 3° > 2° > 1° (tertiary fastest via stable carbocation)
S$_N$1 mechanism: 3° alcohol
→ 3° carbocation (most stable due to hyperconjugation and inductive effects). 3° > 2° > 1°.
Methanol/ethanol need more forcing conditions or different mechanism (S$_N$2).